We've had a lot of them over the 12 months – enough, in fact, that we couldn't keep this list to just 10 entries. Inside, you'll find amazing smartphones, a high-flying (and high-end) drone, a cheap PC circuit board, and maybe the finest TV we've ever laid eyes on. And don't forget the arrival of VR headsets; we sure didn't!
There's plenty ahead for the rest of the year, including the iPhone 7 but put down the binoculars for a moment and savor the here and now: these are the 17 best gadgets we've had the pleasure of using so far in 2016.
Google Home
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest. This gadget is priced at Rs.18, 990 and available on eBay.
HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer
Show off memories with this HP Sprocket photo printer. Print pictures from your smartphone by choosing them from the camera roll or a social media website. A rechargeable battery lets you print up to 30 pictures per charge and recharges in only 60 to 80 minutes so you can print on the go with this HP Sprocket photo printer. This gadget is priced at $129.99 and available on Amazon.
DJI Phantom 4 Drone
The DJI Phantom 4 drone can capture 4K video with excellent quality, as well as Full HD content in slow motion. It can automatically avoid obstacles and track moving objects, as well as reach maximum speed of 44mph. This gadget is priced at Rs. 1, 21,000 and available on AVCS Systems. Ltd and Amazon.Other key features of the drone include maximum control range of 3.1 miles and up to 28 minutes of flight time.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
An excellent gift option for any family member, Apple's latest iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus offer an appealing blend of powerful hardware, exceptional cameras, and stereo speakers, all tucked into a familiar looking, fully waterproof body. These two will be the smartphones to have until the next generation debuts. This gadget is priced at Rs. 31,990 for iPhone 7 16 GB variant and for iPhone 7 Plus is Rs.72000 for 32 GB variant and available on all retail counters and online portals.
FitBit Charge 2
The hot new Fitbit Charge 2 is a user-friendly fitness tracker that's a great gift for any friend or family member. It replaces two devices in the company's product range — the Charge and the Charge HR. Designed like a larger Alta, the gadget features continuous heart-rate tracking, GPS, handy OLED touchscreen, and swappable wristbands. In addition to tracking health data and delivering smartphone notifications, the tracker can also help users unwind via personalized breathing exercises. This gadget is priced at Rs. 14,628 and available on most of the online shopping sites.
UE Boom 2 Bluetooth Speaker
Available in a number of eye-grabbing color combinations, the UE BOOM 2 delivers excellent 360-degree sound, IPX7 rating for water resistance, and clever gesture controls. The first generation was a gold standard for compact Bluetooth speakers, and this one continues the tradition. One of the best picks in its price range and small enough to make it easy to travel with. This gadget is priced at Rs.14, 495 and available on Amazon.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite is an excellent gift for friends and family who are avid readers. The E-reader has a sharp display with adjustable lighting, lightweight body with excellent build quality, Wi-Fi connectivity, and battery that can last for weeks on a single charge. This gadget is priced at Rs.10, 999 and available on Amazon.
Canon Powershot G7 X Mark 2
The second generation of Canon's PowerShot G7 X Mark II digital camera is a nice gift for both beginner and advanced photographers. Key features of the snapper include a large 1-inch sensor, a fast image processor, a tilting display, a versatile zoom lens with large aperture, and smartphone connectivity. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II also enables users to quickly switch between fully automatic and manual controls. This gadget is priced at Rs.40, 995 and available on Canon Retail counters.
LG C6 Curved OLED 4K TV
The beautifully designed LG C6 4K TV has a stunning curved OLED display that's one of the best in the business. Other key features of the TV include the ability to deliver HDR content, as well as support of all major streaming services. Overall, a wonderful splurge-worthy gift option for someone dear. This gadget is priced at $1997 and available on Amazon.
ASUS S1 LED Projector
Built-in 6000mAh battery provides up to 3 hours of projection and doubles as a power bank for your mobile devices. Ultra-portable, yet fully capable. Housed in Zen-inspired aluminum, this 200 lumens, best-in-class short-throw projector gives a 41-inch diagonal display at 1 meter. Its built-in rechargeable 22Wh battery gives you up to 3 hours of cable-free projection time. It means you're free to set up the projector wherever you want without having to worry where the nearest power socket is High capacity power bank. The S1 can also serve as a 6000mAh power bank to charge your mobile devices even when the S1 is off. This gadget is priced at Rs. 27,999 and available on Amazon.
Canon Powershot A2600
Advanced capabilities coupled with chic design sets the PowerShot A2600 apart from the crowd. This new PowerShot A-Series is equipped with a 5x Optical Zoom and 10x ZoomPlus to get you closer to the action fast. This chic, compact camera is available in black, silver and pink. Eco Mode: By reducing the LCD screen brightness gradually until it switches off when the camera is not in use, the ECO mode saves battery consumption and allows you maximized photo opportunity - up to 30% more photos! . This gadget is priced at Rs.8375 and available on Flipkart.
Samsung Gear VR
Works with Samsung Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge Light weight so you can play and watch more comfortably, Easy to use touch pad, Brand New Imported-Genuine item. This gadget is priced at Rs. 7000 and available on Flipkart.
Nintendo’s new 3DS XL Portable
C Stick for enhanced controls. Built-in amiibo compatibility and NFC support, Faster processing power than Nintendo 3DS and Face tracking 3D, Plays all Nintendo 3DS games, AC adapter not included, Use Parental Controls to restrict 3D mode for children 6 and under. This gadget is priced at Rs. 21,999 and available on eBay.
ASUS Zen Watch 3
Less than 10mm thick, the Zenwatch 3 comes in multiple styles too including rose gold, gunmetal and silver. So clearly some inspiration taken from the Apple look book here. It's also IP67 water resistant, matching the Zen Watch 2 for its ability to be dunked into water without harm. This gadget is priced at Rs. 17, 599 and available on Flipkart via Pricebaba.
Ampy: Walk and Charge Motion Charger
AMPY MOVE is a wearable motion charger that transform daily motion into energy that can charge your smartphone, wearable, or any other USB powered electronic device, Powerful and clean, AMPY move charges your devices as fast as any outlet all while using the clean energy you generate through movement, 1 hour of vigorous exercise can provide up to 5 hours of standby smartphone battery. This gadget is priced at $75 and available on Amazon.
Sennheiser PMX 686
Built with high-tech materials carefully selected to ensure comfort, water resistance, durability and hygiene, the new SPORTS headphones deliver energizing sound with an excellent fit. The PMX 686 SPORTS features open acoustics, allowing for a better awareness of external sounds that is ideal for outdoor pursuits such as running. It has a headband that offers additional security. For this new SPORTS models, Sennheiser utilizes the latest in material technology to make sure the headphones are lightweight yet durable and water resistant. The sweat and water resistant mechanism conforms to the high standard with the IPX4 testing which ensures protection against splashing water. A protective, cushioned carrying pouch made of quick-drying and breathable fabric is s supplied as standard to keep the headphones safe when stored. This gadget is priced at Rs. 5,925 and available on Amazon.
Tile Slim Tracker
Does your mom, dad, brother, or whoever you're gifting this year forget the whereabouts of their iPhone often? This small and nifty gadget by Tile will help them find it, so long as the phone is within its Bluetooth range. Barely thicker than a credit card, the tracker is as easy to carry around as it gets. Its non-removable battery lasts for a year. This gadget is priced at Rs. 3590 and available on Amazon.